Home Study Update

Our social worker is coming to our house today for the home study update. It seems a world ago when she first came and we spent all weekend cleaning our house. What a difference a year makes - I don't think we did any special cleaning this time around. However, our child safety locks are now installed.

Thanks to everyone for the encouraging messages lately. We are cautiously excited for the events to unfold in the next several weeks.

At Least This Blog is Free

Along with the joy of updating documents (I did say joy) come the fees that are associated with these updates. Here, there, fees everywhere! It's quite ridiculous to pay $15 for a certified copy of a marriage certificate. After we collect and notarize our docs (thanks Debbie!) we'll take them to the IL Secretary of State to get apostilled. Those fees are $2 per document so it adds up as well.

Last year we held two big fundraisers, the garage sale and the holiday marketplace. I'm not sure if we'll do anything similar but a look at our finances indicates a push will be needed to get us to Russia for trip two. We've begun filling out loan applications as well as we may need this to get us over the final hump.

Next Deadline: August 1

In a surprise turn of events we've been advised by our adoption agency to update our documents for submission by August 1. Our documents needed to be updated anyway, but the August 1st deadline adds some hope to timing of a referral. Of course, we've heard back from our home study agency that the August 1 deadline will not be met from their side based on the current 6-8 week processing time of home studies by Illinois DCFS.

We know God is in control of this whole process. Last year, we were preparing for a different event on August 1 and God met our needs in a mighty way last year. Read the recap here.

Russia News Update

According to this article it seems that a U.S. - Russia adoption pact is near, possibly to be completed within the next six months. According to a Russian official (through Google translate), "Virtually all the provisions of the treaty, which were proposed by Russia and which is fundamental, the Americans gave their consent." I've seen conflicting news as to whether this treaty will apply retroactively which will allow Russia to press charges in this case. I wouldn't disagree in this instance, but it is a dangerous, slippery slope to navigate for other issues in the future.

We've requested an update from our adoption agency and will let you know when we hear from them.

Not Much

It's been about a month since our last update from Russia. We continue to be in this awkward phase of waiting with nothing to do. Some documents will need to be re-done soon, but we are holding off for now as instructed by our agency. Summer will come and go before we know it and the call we're hoping for is likely just around that corner.

Big Fundraiser Possibility

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Amazon Wireless just introduced a new program with its wireless service. If you purchase a cell phone with service through our link we'll receive $65 each through August 31! Amazon usually has great deals including free phones  with free 2-day shipping so please consider this if you can. Thanks!